Undertow

Many years ago, when I was 14, I was with my family on vacation in Morehead City, North Carolina. I had ventured out into the ocean and was enjoying myself. But suddenly I was being pulled away from shore. I was caught in a rip current. I was not even aware of this deadly phenomenon. As a boy I was on a swim team and was a strong swimmer. But that was in pools and this was different. And I had no knowledge of how to react when caught in this dangerous situation. I tried swimming straight to shore. A wrong move. I was getting tired and then a bit scared. I was being pulled farther out to sea. I waved and yelled toward shore. No one seemed to notice. Including the life guard. I was losing strength and hope that I’d overcome whatever was pulling me away from safety. Suddenly something pushed me forcibly through whatever forces held me. It wasn’t my time.

I told my parents some of what had transpired and was just told to stay near shore. Looking up, I saw the lifeguard appeared to have seen nothing, even with his vantage point. I’ve realized over the years that there was angelic intervention that pushed me out of what held me. I wish there was such forceful intervention many other times in my life where I’d gotten into difficult situations of my own making. There very well may have been.

I feel this is so similar to where we are spiritually in our country right now. Except we are fighting even against spiritual help. Like we are warned in Hebrews 2, we need to give much more attention to that which is spiritually eroding in our lives and in our country lest we drift away. There is an undercurrent that is so diabolical and deadly that has been allowed into every facet of our lives and our world. And so many seem to willingly embrace it even though it will bring death. Physically and spiritually. This undercurrent is most dangerous as it moves away from shore. Out to sea. Like so many false teachings that appear safe on the surface, but below is a current bringing you to ruin.

These undercurrents of lies and that which is contrary to what Christ teaches us look to 1) Cause compromise. Get you to accept a little that is off all the while waiting to pull you toward spiritual ruin. 2) Give you a sense of false security. Sounds and looks like the Word so it must be safe. But as it says in Proverbs 14:12, its end is death. 3) Accept wrong doctrine. On the surface certain words and mannerisms appear to mimic that which the Word says but it is based on lies and duplicity of the devil to cause you to follow a path of deception. 4) Apathy starts to creep in and what we once felt strongly about no longer has importance in our spiritual walk. 5) Spiritual exhaustion from wrong theology starts to wear you down and you no longer stand and fight against what you know is wrong, nor do you seek to hold onto the truth which is your life-giving force.

Just like the lifeguard, your vantage point for better sight makes no difference when your vision has become compromised. And even your spiritual family may not be looking out for your safety through prayer and warnings. We have cast off the warnings Paul gave the church of Galatia in that we have followed again after false teaching when all that is necessary for life is right before you. Yet you, by your actions and beliefs, desire to go back into bondage. And that pulls you farther out into an ocean of bewitchment of the evil of this world.

Just look at how many ministries are walking contrary to the ways of our Lord. Teaching doctrines of demons. Embracing leaders who are the epitome of those who teach and follow a doctrine of Baal. Casting off the Sermon on the Mount. Not caring for the poor or marginalized. Enriching themselves. Standing in solidarity with those who cover up pedophilia. And agreeing with wars to distract. Many of them are falling. More to come. As Oswald chambers said, “The most pitiable of all these wrecks are those inside the harbor.” They are visible to all if you care to watch and learn from their mistakes. Hold onto the words spoken by the Apostle John. “We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one.” Press into Him. Pray without ceasing. Blessings.